RU2688698C2 - Thin decorative surface coating - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: technological processes.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a decorative surface coating element having height of 4 mm or less from its upper surface to a lower surface. Surface coating element is made in the form of multilayer structure with core layer on polymer base located between base layer and wear layer, and core layer contains core material with Shore hardness less than that of base layer and wear layer. Surface coating element comprises first connecting profile made integral with multilayer structure and passing along at least one of edges of surface coating element. First connecting profile comprises at least one protrusion made in core layer, wherein said projection has side surfaces for gripping between opposite surfaces of recess in second connection profile made with possibility of interaction with first connecting profile of another decorative surface covering element. Decorative surface covering element has a second connection profile made integrally with said multilayer structure extending along the other of said edges. Second connection profile comprises at least one recess made in said core layer, wherein recess has opposite surfaces to catch projection of first connecting profile of another decorative surface coating element. First and second connecting profiles have shape such that contact surface formed in connected state is at least 7 mmon mm along corresponding edges.EFFECT: invention makes it possible to offer particularly thin decorative surface coating elements with connecting facilities, which enable easy assembly on a coated surface.17 cl, 11 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a decorative surface covering element on a polymer base in the form of a strip, tile, plank, or other similar form, which contains connecting means made integrally with it.

The level of technology

Polymer-based surface coatings, also referred to as polymer or synthetic surface coatings, are widely known in the art. As a rule, they are made of rubber, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They have special mechanical properties, in particular, from the point of view of mechanical strength, wear resistance and resistance to indentation, as well as from the point of view of convenience, softness, sound and thermal insulation.

Among the polymer-based surface coatings are well-known surface coatings without a substrate and multi-layer surface coatings.

Surface coatings without a substrate, or uniform surface coatings, are coatings containing agglomerated particles, obtained mainly by cutting or crushing a sheet made in the form of a structure containing a polymer-based material, and the bottom layer, or base, is absent.

Multilayer surface coatings are coatings containing at least the bottom layer, which is the backing layer, and the top layer, which is the wear layer. Such coatings may have a decorative pattern that imitates the aesthetic appearance of natural floors, such as wooden or stone floors. Such a decorative pattern is usually printed on one of the surfaces of the support layer or the wear layer of the floor covering, or sometimes on an additional synthetic layer that is inserted between the support layer and the wear layer.

WO 2010/094597 discloses synthetic floor covering elements in the form of strips having a width corresponding to the width of the simulated natural floor covering element and a length corresponding to the length of at least two simulated natural floor covering elements.

Polymer-based surface coatings are typically placed on a surface to be coated (for example, a floor or wall) using an adhesive. The disadvantage is that this is not easy to do, especially if the glue should be spread on the surface before laying the surface covering elements. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied to the face of the surface coating that comes into contact with the surface to be coated. In this case, the protective sheet or sealing paper should be removed before the surface covering element can be laid on the surface to be coated.

EP 2248665 A1 discloses a thermoplastic laminated strip having a core layer containing at least polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The core layer has an upper surface, a lower surface and opposite sides. The plank further comprises a printed layer attached to the upper surface of the core layer and a protective layer attached to the upper surface of the printed layer. PVC core layer is preferably flexible, and the core layer has at least one groove located on one of its sides. Two adjacent strips are connected with a tongue or a key inserted along the length of the adjacent grooves.

The technical problem to which the present invention is directed, according to one of the aspects, is to offer particularly thin decorative surface covering elements with connecting means that allow easy assembly on the surface to be coated.

Disclosure of the invention

The decorative surface covering element according to the present invention has a height of 4 mm or less (for example, from 2.5 mm to 4 mm, more preferably from 2.8 mm to 3.8 mm, even more preferably from 2.8 mm to 3.5 mm) from its upper surface to the lower surface. The surface covering element is designed as a multilayer structure with a polymer-based core layer (preferably based on PVC (PVC) and / or a thermoplastic material) located between the base layer and the wear layer, the core layer containing core material having a Shore hardness less than the base layer and the wear layer. The core layer itself may be formed by one or several layers (hereinafter referred to as “core sublayers”). The core underlayer preferably consists of a thermoplastic material and / or a PVC based material. The surface covering member comprises a first joint profile, made integrally with the multilayer structure and extending along at least one of the edges (or ends) of the surface covering member. The first joint profile comprises at least one protrusion made in the core layer, said protrusion having side surfaces for gripping between opposite surfaces of the recess in the second joint profile, configured to mate with the first joint profile of another decorative surface covering element.

Since the core layer is soft compared to the wear layer and the base layer, it can be maintained between the first and second connecting profiles of two adjacent surface covering elements. The core layer preferably has a dynamic friction coefficient in the range from 0.5 to 0.65, more preferably in the range from 0.55 to 0.6, as determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893.

Preferably, the protrusion comprises a tongue extending parallel to the layers (i.e., the core layer, the base layer, the wear layer and any additional layer) of the surface covering member.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting profile comprises a connector base extending parallel to the layers, and the protrusion comprises a ridge raised or lowered relative to the connector base.

Alternatively or additionally, the first connection profile may comprise a plurality of protrusions made in the form of mutually parallel ridges raised or lowered relative to the base of the connector.

Preferably, the protrusion has a spike-shaped profile for engaging with the recess of the second connecting profile of the other surface covering element.

The decorative surface covering element preferably comprises a second connecting profile, made integrally with a multilayer structure and extending along another of the edges, the second connecting profile having at least one notch made in the core layer, the notch having opposite surfaces to grip the protrusion of the first connecting profile another decorative surface covering element.

To ensure proper retention of the first connection profile within the second connection profile, the connection profiles are preferably shaped such that the contact surface formed in the connected state is at least 7 mm ² per mm along the edges of the adjacent surface covering elements (i.e., for every 1) mm of length parallel to the contacting edges, the contact surface is at least 7 mm ² ). The contact surface formed in the connected state is preferably 9 mm ² , more preferably at least 12 mm ² , even more preferably at least 15 mm ² per mm along the edges of the adjacent surface covering elements.

The notch may contain a notch to interact with the styloid profile of the first joint profile.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second connecting profile comprises a connector base, extending parallel to the layers, and a ridge raised or lowered relative to it. Alternatively or additionally, the base of the connector has a plurality of mutually parallel recesses formed therein.

The first and second connecting profiles may be of such a shape that, during the connection of the decorative surface covering element with another decorative surface covering element, elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second connecting profiles is necessary.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core layer comprises a fiberglass mat (or fiberglass shell), which is embedded in the core material based on polymeric material and fixed therein, the fiberglass mat extending into the first connection profile and / or the second connection profile. In this case, the fiberglass mat forms the core sublayer as described above. The fiberglass mat, which can be woven or non-woven, preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The fiberglass mat has a large mesh structure, so that the core material forms one continuous layer that penetrates through the holes and voids of the fiberglass mat, thereby ensuring its firm retention inside the core layer.

According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, the base layer and the wear layer of the decorative surface covering element each have a shore hardness (C) of at least 80, and the core layer has a shore hardness (C) of at least 5 units less than the lower value Shore hardness (C) of the base layer; Shore hardness (C) of the wear layer.

Preferably, the core layer has a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of installing a decorative surface coating on a floor. This method includes the steps in which:

provide decorative surface covering elements as described above, the decorative surface covering elements having a rectangular shape and containing first and second connecting profiles on the first and second long edges, respectively, and third and fourth connecting profiles on the first and second short edges, respectively,

decorative surface covering elements are laid row by row so that the first connecting profile takes a position at 12 o'clock, the third connecting profile takes a position at 3 o'clock, the second connecting profile takes a position at 6 o'clock, and the fourth connecting profile takes a position at 9 o'clock relative to the face, stacking tiles;

when laying the decorative surface covering element, insert its first connecting profile into the second connecting profile of the decorative surface covering elements of the previous row, lower the decorative surface covering element to the floor, shift the decorative surface covering element to the left or right, while holding the decorative surface covering element in conjunction with the previous one beside (and parallel to the floor) and connecting the decorative surface covering element with the previously decorative cover element on the left or right, using the third and fourth connecting profiles.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate various aspects of the present invention, which, together with a detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings show the following.

FIG. 1, in cross section, two decorative surface covering elements according to a first embodiment of the present invention are schematically shown.

FIG. 2 shows in cross section the connecting profiles of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. one.

FIG. 3 shows in cross-section schematically two decorative surface covering elements according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows in cross section the connecting profiles of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 shows schematically in cross section two decorative surface covering elements according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows in cross-section the connecting profiles of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. 6

FIG. 8, the first and second connecting profiles of decorative surface covering elements according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are shown in cross section.

FIG. 9 shows in cross-section the third and fourth connecting profiles of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. eight.

FIG. 10 shows in cross section the first and second connecting profiles of decorative surface covering elements according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows in cross section the third and fourth connecting profiles of the decorative surface covering elements of FIG. ten.

It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale. In addition, for clarity, the proportions between height, length, and / or width may not be met. And last but not least, the gaps between the hooked connecting profiles can be shown larger or smaller than in the actual implementation of the invention.

The implementation of the invention

FIG. 1 and 2, layered strips 10 are shown forming decorative surface covering elements for a floor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The upper surface 12 of the slats 10 is formed by a wear layer 14, and the lower surface 16 is formed by a base layer 18. The base layer 18 and the wear layer 12 contain between them the PVC core layer 20. A printed layer (not shown) may be located between the core layer 20 and the wear layer 14. If a printed layer is provided, the wear layer 14 is made of a transparent material. Optionally, one or more barrier layers are provided between the previously mentioned layers to reduce the transfer of chemicals (eg plasticizers) between the layers. All layers are laminated together to form a multilayer structure.

The PVC-based core layer 20 is softer (i.e., has less Shore hardness) than the base layer 18 and the wear layer 14, whereby the surface covering member has a predetermined elasticity and flexibility. The choice of a softer material for the core layer 20 also makes it possible to provide the required resilience for a multilayer structure, which is particularly appropriate for floor coverings.

The thickness (or height) of the core layer 20 (including any fiberglass mat 22) is preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm. The base layer 18 preferably has a thickness of between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm. The wear layer 14 preferably has a thickness of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. If the multilayer structure further comprises a printed layer between the core layer and the wear layer, the thickness is typically 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The thickness of the various layers is chosen so that the laminated strip 10 has a total height of not more than 4 mm, preferably not more than 3.5 mm, even more preferably not more than 3.2 mm. In accordance with the most preferred modification of this embodiment of the present invention, the total thickness of the laminated strip is 3 mm (wear layer: 0.7 mm, printed layer: 0.1 mm, core layer, including all core sublayers: 1.7 mm, layer - base: 0.5 mm).

Each laminated strip 10 contains the first and second connecting profiles 24, 26, both made integrally with a multilayer structure. The first joint profile 24 extends along the first edge (or end) of the surface covering member (in FIGS. 1 and 2, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), and the second connecting profile 26 runs along the second edge of the surface covering member. The first and second connecting profiles 24, 26 are configured to mate with each other and provide, thereby, the mechanical connection of two adjacent layered strips 10.

The first connecting profile 24 contains a tongue 28, and the second connecting profile 26 holds the corresponding recess 30, and both the tongue 28 and the notch 30 are formed in the core layer 20. The tongue 28 forms a protrusion having side surfaces 32, 34 for gripping between the opposite surfaces 36 , 38 notches 30 in the second joint profile 26 of the adjacent laminated strip. To provide additional holding strength, the lower part 40 of the second joint profile 26 is made in the form of a tongue of a substantially L-shape. The short shelf 42 of the letter "L" runs perpendicular to the parallel layers 14, 20, 18 of the multilayer structure and interacts with the notch 44 of the response form in the first joint profile 24.

As clearly seen in FIG. 2, the core layer 20 has a fiberglass mat 22 embedded thereto. The fiberglass mat 22 is located in a mechanically neutral plane of the laminated plank that is at least about half the height of the core layer 20. The fiberglass mat 22 passes into the tongue 28 of the first connecting profile 24 and the end part 42 of the L-shaped tongue 40 of the second connecting profile 26. The fiberglass mat 22 improves the dimensional stability and strength of the core layer 20. The thickness of the fiberglass mat 22 is preferably It is in the range from 0.07 mm to 0.12 mm. It has a large mesh structure, so that the PVC-based material of the core layer 20 forms one continuous layer, penetrating through the holes and voids (not shown) of the fiberglass mat 22, and firmly holding the latter. Due to the fact that the fiberglass mat 22 extends into the protrusions of the first and second connecting profiles 24, 26, the connection has an increased resistance to deformation under tension.

To ensure the wear resistance of the joint, the core material is chosen so that its dynamic friction coefficient is in the range of 0.5 to 0.65 (determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893). Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second connecting profiles 24, 26 are shaped so that a contact area (between the engaged connecting profiles) is at least 12 mm ² per mm length along the edge (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the drawing).

It should be noted that to connect the first connecting profile 24 with the second connecting profile 26, the tongue 28 must first be tilted obliquely into the recess 30. To further insert the tongue 28 and align the joined tiles, elastic deformation of the tongue 28 itself and the end portion 42 of the L-shaped tongue 40 .

FIG. 3, 4, and 5 relate to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the decorative surface covering elements are layered tiles 110. Each tile 110 is formed by a multi-layer structure comprising a base layer 118, a PVC core layer 120, a printed layer 121 and a transparent wear layer 114. Optionally, the multilayer structure contains additional layers, for example, one or more barrier layers and / or top lacquer coating.

The PVC-based core layer 120 has a Shore hardness less than that of the base layer 118 and the wear layer 114 to provide the desired elasticity and flexibility of the tiles 110. The thickness (height) of the core layer 120 (including fiberglass mat 122) is preferably from 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. The base layer 118 preferably has a thickness of from 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. The wear layer 114 preferably has a thickness of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The thickness of the printed layer 121 is between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm. The thickness of the various layers is selected so that the tile 110 has a total height of not more than 4 mm, preferably not more than 3.5 mm, even more preferably not more than 3.2 mm. In accordance with the preferred modification of this embodiment of the present invention, the total thickness of the laminated tile is 3 mm (wear layer: 0.7 mm, printed layer: 0.1 mm, core layer, including all core sublayers: 1.7 mm, layer base: 0.5 mm).

Each tile 110 comprises first and second connecting profiles 124, 126, which are made integrally with a multilayer structure. The first joint profile 124 extends along the first edge 146 and the adjacent second edge 148 of the surface covering member. The second connecting profile 126 extends along a third edge 150 opposite to the first edge 146 and a fourth edge 152 opposite to the second edge 148. The first and second connecting profiles 124, 126 are configured to mate with each other and, thereby, mechanically connect the two adjacent tiles 110.

The first connecting profile 124 comprises a connector base 125, extending parallel to the tile layers, and a ridge 128 having an styloid profile and elevated relative to the outer end of the connector base 125. The second connecting profile 126 has a shape that is in response to the first connecting profile 124. It contains a connector base 127 having a recess 130 formed therein. The notch has a notch 144 for engaging a protrusion of the first connecting profile, that is, a ridge 128 with an styloid profile. Both the ridge 128 with the styloid profile and the notch 130 are made in the core layer 120. The ridge 128 comb has the side surfaces 132, 134 for gripping between the opposite surfaces 136, 138 of the notch 130 in the second connecting profile 126 of the adjacent tile.

As clearly seen in FIG. 4, the core layer 120 has a fiberglass mat 122 embedded therein. The fiberglass mat 122 is located at least about half the height of the core layer 120 and extends into the ridge 128 with the styloid profile of the first connecting profile and the base 127 of the connector of the second connecting profile 126. Fiberglass mat 122 is located in the mechanically neutral plane of the tile and improves the dimensional stability and strength of the core layer 120. The thickness of the fiberglass mat 122 is preferably in the range from 0.07 to 0.12 mm. It has a large mesh structure, so that the PVC-based material of the core layer 120 forms one continuous layer penetrating through the holes and voids (not shown) of the fiberglass mat 122, and provides a strong retention of the latter. Due to the fact that the fiberglass mat 122 extends into the protrusions of the first and second connecting profiles 124, 126, the connection has an increased resistance to deformation under tension.

To ensure the wear resistance of the joint, the core material is chosen so that its dynamic friction coefficient is in the range of 0.5 to 0.65 (determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893). In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3-5, the first and second connecting profiles 124, 126 are of such dimensions that a contact area (between meshed connecting profiles) is formed of at least 9 mm ² per mm length along the edge.

FIG. 6 and 7 illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the present invention with laminated tiles or planks as decorative surface covering elements. Each plank or tile 210 is formed by a multi-layer structure comprising a base layer 218, a PVC-based core layer 220, a printed layer 221, and a transparent wear layer 214. The multilayer structure may contain additional layers, for example, one or more barrier layers and / or top lacquer coating.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the PVC-based core layer 220 has a Shore hardness less than that of the base layer 218 and the wear layer 214. The thickness (or height) of the core layer 220 (including the fiberglass mat 222) is preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm. The base layer 218 preferably has a thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm. The wear layer 214 preferably has a thickness of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The thickness of the printed layer 221 is from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The thickness of the various layers is chosen so that the tile or plank 210 has a total height of not more than 4 mm, preferably not more than 3.5 mm, even more preferably not more than 3.2 mm. In accordance with the preferred modification of this embodiment of the present invention, the total thickness of the laminated strip or tile is 3 mm (wear layer: 0.7 mm, printed layer: 0.1 mm, core layer, including all core sublayers: 1.7 mm, base layer: 0.5 mm).

Each tile or plank 210 comprises first and second connecting profiles 224, 226, integrally formed with a multilayer structure. The first joint profile 224 extends along at least one edge of the surface covering member. The second joint profile 226 extends along at least one other edge. The first and second connecting profiles 224, 226 are configured to mate with each other and provide, thereby, the mechanical connection of two adjacent tiles or strips 210.

The first connecting profile 224 comprises a connector base 225 extending parallel to the layers of the tile or strip 210, and several parallel ridges 228 raised relative to the upper side of the connector base 225. The second connecting profile 226 has a shape that is in response to the shape of the first connecting profile 224. It has a connector base 227 containing several parallel ridges 229, lowered relative to its lower side. The lowered ridges form a plurality of recesses 130 into which the protrusions (i.e., raised ridges 228) of the first connecting profile 224 are inserted. The raised ridges 228 and the lowered ridges 229 are formed in the core layer 220. Each raised ridge 228 has side surfaces 232, 234 that are gripped between opposite surfaces 236, 238 of the corresponding recess 230 in the second joint profile 226 of the adjacent tile or strip.

As clearly seen in FIG. 7, the core layer 220 has two fiberglass mats 222 embedded thereto. The fiberglass mats 222 pass into the first and second connecting profiles 224, 226. The fiberglass mats 222 increase the dimensional stability and strength of the core layer 220. The thickness of the fiberglass mats 222 is preferably in the range from 0 , 07 to 0.12 mm. They have a large mesh structure, so that the PVC-based material of the core layer 220 forms one continuous layer, penetrating through the holes and voids (not shown) of the fiberglass mats 222, and provides a strong retention of the latter. Due to the fact that fiberglass mats 222 extend into the protrusions of the first and second connecting profiles 224, 226, the connection has an increased resistance to deformation under tension.

To ensure the wear resistance of the joint, the core material is chosen so that its dynamic friction coefficient is in the range of 0.5 to 0.65 (determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893). In addition, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7, the first and second connecting profiles 224, 226 are shaped so that a contact area (between the attached connecting profiles) is formed at least 15 mm ² per mm of length along the edge.

FIG. 8 and 9 illustrate the fourth embodiment of the present invention with planks as decorative surface covering elements. Each strip 310 is formed by a multi-layer structure comprising a base layer 318, a PVC-based core layer 320, a printing layer 321 and a transparent wear layer 314. The multilayer structure may contain additional layers, for example, one or more barrier layers and / or top lacquer coating.

As in other embodiments of the present invention, the PVC core layer 320 has a Shore hardness less than that of the base layer 318 and the wear layer 314. The thickness or (height) of the core layer 320 (including the fiberglass mat 322) is preferably from 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. The base layer 318 preferably has a thickness of between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm. The wear layer 314 preferably has a thickness of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The thickness of the printed layer 321 is from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The thickness of the various layers is chosen so that the strip 310 has a total height of not more than 4 mm, preferably not more than 3.5 mm, even more preferably not more than 3.2 mm. In accordance with the preferred modification of this embodiment of the present invention, the total thickness of the strip is 3 mm (wear layer: 0.7 mm, printed layer: 0.1 mm, core layer, including all core sublayers: 1.7 mm, base layer : 0.5 mm).

Each plank 310 comprises first and second connecting profiles 224, 226, which are made integrally with the multilayer structure. The first joint profile 324 extends along at least one long edge of the surface covering member. The second connecting profile 326 extends along the other long edge. The first and second connecting profiles 324, 326 are configured to mate with each other and provide, thereby, the mechanical connection of two adjacent tiles or strips 310.

The first joint profile 324 comprises a connector base 325, extending parallel to the layers of tile or plank 310, and a hooked ridge 328 raised relative to the upper side of the connector base 325. Opposite to the curved side 329 of the ridge 328, the first connecting profile 324 comprises a recess 330 bounded by the connector base 325 in the direction of the lower part and in the direction of the upper part by a hanging element 331. The second connecting profile 326 has a shape that responds to the shape of the first connecting profile 324. It contains an overhang base 327 of a connector with a tongue 333 forming a protrusion having upper and lower surfaces 332, 334 for gripping between opposite surfaces 336, 338 of the recess 330 in the first connecting profile 326 adjacent to The front edges of the tongue have beveled corners to facilitate insertion of the tongue into the recess 330. A notched profile is provided on the back side of the tongue 333 for engagement with the curved side 329 of the ridge 328. The notched profile has a beveled lower edge.

FIG. 8 that the first and second connecting profiles cannot be assembled without elastic deformation of at least the first or second connecting profile. To assemble the connecting profiles, the tongue 333 is inserted obliquely into the recess 330, then the joining strips are aligned. During this part of the movement, the bevelled lower edge of the toothed profile slides along the curved side of the ridge 328. The hook and / or tooth must be deformed until they click into their final position.

The core layer 320 has a fiberglass mat 322 embedded therein. The fiberglass mat 322 extends into the first and second connecting profiles 324, 326. The glass fiber mat 322 improves the dimensional stability and strength of the core layer 320. The thickness of the fiberglass mat 322 is preferably in the range from 0.07 to 0.12 mm. It has a large mesh structure, so that the PVC-based material of the core layer 320 forms one continuous layer, penetrating through the holes and voids (not shown) of the fiberglass mat 322, and provides a strong retention of the latter.

The core material is chosen so that its coefficient of dynamic friction is in the range of 0.5 to 0.65 (determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 and 9, the first and second connecting profiles 324, 326 are shaped such that a contact area (between meshed connecting profiles) is formed at least 8 mm ² per mm of length along the edge.

FIG. 9 shows connecting profiles at the short edges of the slats 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The third connection profile 340 and the fourth connection profile 342 are in response to each other. The third connecting profile 340 comprises a recess with a trapezoidal cross section, and the fourth connecting profile 342 comprises a protrusion with a corresponding cross section. Both the third joint profile and the fourth joint profile are formed in the core layer 320. Each strip 310 contains all the joint profiles shown in FIG. 8 and 9.

FIG. 10 and 11 illustrate the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention with slats or tiles as decorative surface covering elements. Each plank or tile 410 is formed by a multi-layer structure comprising a base layer, a core layer, a printed layer and a transparent wear layer. The internal structure of each strip or tile 410 (not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) may, for example, be the structure illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 2, 4, 7 or 8, respectively. The multilayer structure may contain additional layers, for example, one or more barrier layers and / or top lacquer coating. Each plank or tile 410 contains first and second connecting profiles 424, 426, made integrally with a multilayer structure. The first joint profile 424 extends along at least one long edge of the surface covering member. The second connecting profile 426 runs along the other long edge. The first and second connecting profiles 424, 426 are arranged to interact with each other and provide, thereby, a mechanical connection of two adjacent planks or tiles 410. In FIG. 11 shows connecting profiles on the short edges of the slats or tiles 410 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The third connection profile 440 and the fourth connection profile 442 are mutually responsive. The third connecting profile 440 contains a notch, and the fourth connecting profile 442 contains a tongue with a corresponding cross-sectional shape. Each strip 410 contains all the connecting profiles presented in figure 10 and 11.

To install the decorative surface covering elements from FIG. 10 and 11, it is preferable to hold the bar or tile 410 so that the first connecting profile holds the position for 12 hours, the third connecting profile 440 takes the position for 3 hours, the second connecting profile 424 takes the position for 6 hours, and the fourth connecting profile holds the position for 9 hours (all positions are given in accordance with how they are indicated on regular hours). The user preferably sets a new bar or tile by inserting the first tile connecting profile 410, which he or she holds in their hands, into the second connecting profile of the bar or tile of the last completed row of previously installed planks or tiles, and lowers the bar or tile to the floor. The geometry of the first and second joint profiles is such that the newly installed tiles can be displaced in the direction of the long edge until they abut their short edge on the plank or tile on the left or right, i.e. The first and second connecting profiles allow relative sliding movement along the edge when they are in the joined state, and the joined floor covering elements are coplanar. The connection of the third / fourth edge of the newly installed plank or tile is achieved by pushing it horizontally to the adjacent plank or tile. During this movement, the inclined lower portion 443 of the tongue 444, sliding along the tip 445 of the protruding base 446 of the connector, forces the tip 448 of the tongue 444 upwards. During further insertion, the inclined portion 447 of the tongue 444 contacts the upper wall of the recess, which guides the tip of the tongue down to the back of the recess. Thus, during insertion movement, the tip 445 of the connector base 446 first moves up and then down. At the end of the insertion movement, the inclined lower portion 443 of the tongue 444 slides into a substantially V-shaped groove on the protruding base 446 of the connector. The V-shaped groove has a first side with a slight slope, which corresponds to the inclination of the inclined lower part 443, and a second side with a large inclination, which corresponds to the inclination of the rear surface of the inclined lower part 443. The large inclination of the second side of the groove and the rear surface of the inclined lower part 443 prevent accidental slipping tongue out of the recess.

It should be noted that the features of the various illustrated embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to create new embodiments. For example, different types of connections can be combined with various multi-layer structures (with or without a printed layer, with one or more fiberglass mats or without, with or without barrier layers, etc.). It may also be advisable to combine different joint profiles in one surface covering element. For example, a plank or tile may have a first joint profile of FIG. 1 and 2 along the first long edge, the second connecting profile of FIG. 1 and 2 along the second long edge opposite the first long edge, the first connecting profile of FIG. 3-5 along the first short edge and the second joint profile of FIG. 3-5 along the second short edge opposite the first short edge. Alternatively, the strip or tile may have a first joint profile with FIG. 1 and 2 along the first long edge, the second connecting profile of FIG. 1 and 2 along the second long edge opposite the first long edge, the first connecting profile of FIG. 6 and 7 along the first short edge, and the second connecting profile of FIG. 6 and 7 along the second short edge opposite the first short edge. As another alternative, the plank or tile may have a first joint profile in FIG. 3-5 along the first long edge, the second connecting profile of FIG. 3-5 along the second long edge opposite the first long edge, the first joint profile of FIG. 6-7 along the first short edge and the second joint profile of FIG. 6-7 along the second short edge opposite the first short edge.

Example №1

Various embodiments of the present invention were implemented with a base layer 0.5 mm thick, with a fiberglass-reinforced core layer based on PVC 1.7 mm thick, with a printed layer 0.1 mm thick and a wear layer 0.7 mm thick. The composition of these different layers is shown below.

In this example, the core layer consists of several core sublayers, one of which is a layer of fiberglass. The core layer has a Shore hardness (A) of 91. The various layers have the following composition.

The wear layer (hardness: 95 Shore (A), density: 1.235 g / cm ³ ) has the following composition.

The base layer (hardness: 97.9, density 1.57 g / cm ³ ) has the following composition.

While the above particular embodiments of the invention are described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that, given all the technical solutions disclosed herein, various modifications and changes may be made to this detailed description. Accordingly, the disclosed private performances are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the legal claims of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and includes all equivalents of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. A decorative surface covering member with a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges, the decorative surface covering member having a height of 4 mm or less, wherein the surface covering element is designed as a multilayer structure containing a core layer on a polymer base, for example, based on thermoplastic and / or PVC, located between the base layer and the wear layer, the core layer containing core material having a Shore hardness less than said base layer and said wear layer; wherein the decorative surface covering element comprises a first connecting profile, made integrally with said multilayer structure, extending along at least one of said edges, the first connecting profile comprising at least one protrusion made in said core layer, while the protrusion has lateral gripping surfaces between opposing notch surfaces in a second joint profile configured to mate with said first connection tion profile, other decorative surface covering member, while the decorative surface covering element contains a second connecting profile, made integrally with said multilayer structure, extending along another of said edges, the second connecting profile having at least one notch made in said core layer, while the notch has opposite surfaces for gripping the protrusion of the first connecting profile of another decorative surface covering element, the first and second connecting profiles to them They are shaped in such a way that the contact surface formed in the joined state is at least 7 mm ² per mm along the respective edges. 2. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein said first connecting profile comprises a connector base parallel to said layers, said protrusion comprising a ridge raised or lowered relative to said connector base. 3. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 2, wherein said first connecting profile comprises a plurality of protrusions made in the form of mutually parallel ridges raised or lowered relative to said connector base. 4. Decorative surface covering element according to claim 1 or 3, in which the said protrusion has a spinous profile. 5. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein said recess comprises an incision for engagement with the spinous profile. 6. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein said second connecting profile comprises a connector base parallel to said layers, and a ridge raised or lowered relative to it. 7. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein said second connecting profile comprises a connector base having a plurality of mutually parallel recesses made therein. 8. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein said first and second connecting profiles are shaped such that, when connecting a decorative surface covering member to another decorative surface covering member, elastic deformation of at least one of said first and second connecting profiles is necessary . 9. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface formed in the joined state is at least 9 mm ² per mm along the respective edges. 10. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface formed in the joined state is at least 12 mm ² per mm along the respective edges. 11. The decorative surface covering member according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface formed in the joined state is at least 15 mm ² per mm along the respective edges. 12. Decorative surface covering element according to any one of paragraphs.5-11, in which the aforementioned core layer contains a fiberglass mat, embedded in the said core material and fixed in it, and the fiberglass mat passes into the first connecting profile. 13. The decorative surface covering element according to any one of claims 5 to 11, in which said base layer and said wear layer each have a shore hardness (C) of at least 80, and the core layer has a shore hardness (C) of at least least 5 units less than the lower Shore hardness (C) of the base layer and Shore hardness (C) of the wear layer. 14. The decorative surface covering element according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein said core layer has a dynamic friction coefficient in the range from 0.5 to 0.65 when determined in accordance with European standard EN 13893. 15. The decorative surface covering element according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein said core layer has a thickness having a value in the range of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm. 16. The decorative surface covering element according to any one of Claims 5 to 11, in which the first joint profile and the second joint profile are designed in such a way that the connected profiles can move along the corresponding edge direction when the first joint profile and the second joint profile are in the connected condition. 17. The method of installing a decorative surface coating on the floor, comprising stages in which: provide decorative surface covering elements according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the decorative surface covering elements have a rectangular shape and contain the first and second connecting profiles on the first and second long edges, respectively, and the decorative surface covering elements contain the third and fourth connecting profiles on the first and the second short edge, respectively; decorative surface covering elements are laid row by row so that the first connecting profile takes a position at 12 o'clock, the third connecting profile takes a position at 3 o'clock, the second connecting profile takes a position at 6 o'clock and the fourth connecting profile takes a position at 9 o'clock relative to the person laying tiles; when laying the decorative surface covering element, insert its first connecting profile into the second connecting profile of the decorative surface covering elements of the previous row, lower the decorative surface covering element to the floor, shift the decorative surface covering element to the left or right, while holding the decorative surface covering element in conjunction with the previous one adjacent and connecting the decorative surface covering element to the previously installed decoration The cover element is left or right, using the third and fourth joint profiles.

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